Obit: Frankiewicz, Arthur (1943 - 1962)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Frankiewicz

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 08/16/1962

Frankiewicz, Arthur (1943 - 12 AUG 1962)

A 19-year-old rural Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) youth slipped over the side of a boat into Lake Wissota to try water-skiing Sunday afternoon, called for a life jacket, and then drowned before help could reach him.

Arthur Frankiewicz, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Frankiewicz, was boating with an uncle, Bernard Frankiewicz, 33, of rural Withee, and a friend. The owner of the boat was Ronald A. Milweski, 29, of Rt. 1, Prairie View, Ill. The uncle is in St. Joseph’s Hospital at Chippewa Falls suffering from shock.

The accident took place about 500 feet east of the Silver Bridge on the upper end of the lake around 3:45 p.m. and was witnessed from the shore. One of the witnesses notified the fire department, which sent a boat and firemen to the scene at 3:47 p.m. The Sheriff’s department was notified and sent a boat at 4:24 p.m., according to Undersheriff James Cardinal.

Frankiewicz and his companions had driven over from Thorp to see how the water was on the lake and had put in at Lloyd’s Marina. After Frankiewicz decided to go water-skiing he went over the side of the boat, which was around 30 feet from shore, in a region where the water is from 10 to 15 feet deep.

Shortly after he entered the water he apparently experienced trouble and called for a life jacket when he was about 20 feet from the boat. One was thrown to him in the water, but he sank from sight and never reappeared, investigators were told.

Funeral services were held in St. Hedwig’s Chapel here at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and burial will be made in the parish cemetery. The Rev. Donald Halaska will officiate. Friends may call at the Thorp Funeral Home beginning Wednesday.

Arthur was graduated two years ago from Owen-Withee High School and had been employed on his father’s farm.

In addition to his parents, he leaves five brothers and sisters, Thomas and Eugene, and Diane, Ailene and Sharon.